The Plight of Changpa Nomadic Tribe

The Changpas reside on this high-altitude plateau that sprawls in the western and northern parts of Tibet and further extends to Ladakh in India. Most of the regions that the Changpas reside in are quite inhospitable and unsuitable for farming. Thus, the primary occupation of the tribe is the rearing of yaks, horses, and sheep.

The famous “Pashmina” goats, whose soft wool is famous throughout the world, is found in this region. Pashmina, a highly coveted cashmere wool, comes from the fine...

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A Himalayan Jewel: The Architectural Wonders of Stok Palace, Ladakh

The Stok Palace is located in the village of Stok, about 15 kilometer southwest of Leh, the capital of Ladakh, in the northernmost region of India. The Palace holds a rich historical legacy dating back to the 19th century. It was constructed by King Tsepal Namgyal in 1820 after the royal family of Ladakh was exiled from Leh. The construction of the Palace served as the royal residence for the Namgyal dynasty, which ruled Ladakh for centuries.

The Palace played a significant role in La...

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Ladakh’s Snowmelt Irrigation System Faces Decline

Everyone in Ladakh was thrilled and relieved when the region finally saw its first snowfall in February after long anticipation. Ladakh is a cold desert, and its arid climate makes conditions harsh for agriculture where water scarcity poses a significant challenge to agricultural productivity, solutions are essential for sustaining food production and livelihoods. The region receives a good amount of snow during the winter months (January) creating a natural reservoir of freshwater that is c...

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Urgent Call for the 6th Schedule in Ladakh: A Student’s Perspective

Introduction:

Ladakh, the land of high passes and serene landscapes, is at a crucial juncture in its history. As a student deeply connected to the region, I am compelled to shed light on the pressing need for the implementation of the 6th Schedule in Ladakh. This demand arises from the unique socio-cultural, geographical, and political dynamics of the region, which require specialized governance mechanism to address the aspirations and challenges of its diverse population.

Historical C...

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Organic Farming: A new face of Ladakh’s Agriculture

Organic farming has seen a surge in popularity among farmers and consumers alike as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution due to negative environmental effects of conventional and modern farming methods.

Moreover, it emphasizes natural processes, low use of chemicals, and comprehensive land management. In view of the increasing demand for organic farming and its products, the government has been promoting it as a chemical-free farming with its different ongoing schemes like ...

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Are small isolated communities like Ladakh a curse?

Till half a century ago, Ladakh was an isolated society with limited needs and aspirations. Dependent on agrifarming, life was hard with limited resources but self-sufficient and self-reliant with minimum intervention and interference from outside.

In comparison, contemporary Ladakh, with both physical and digital connectivity with the outside world, has developed more needs (goods, services, and ideas) and aspirations (such as carbon neutrality and tourism). These newly developed needs t...

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The India-Canada Diplomatic Standoff

The recent statement by EAM S Jaishanker that this is still a world of double standards at a Ministerial Session titled ‘South Rising: Partnerships, Institutions and Ideas’ hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, a few days after Canada has accused India of killing it’s civilian in Vancouver in June and termed it an attack on their sovereignty and violation of international rule of law, cannot be merely taken coincidental. In a veiled attack he criticized West for its hypocritical approa...

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Insights into Kargil’s Political Landscape: An Interview with Adv. Mustafa Haji

This interview with Advocate Mustafa Haji (MH), conducted by Anwar Ali Tsarpa (AT), delves into various aspects of the LAHDC Kargil election and its broader implications. From the extended election duration and the shift in public perception post-Ladakh’s Union Territory status to the complexities of identity-based politics in Kargil and the potential transition towards agenda-based politics, the conversation provides valuable insights into the region’s political landscape. Advocate Mustafa ...

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بھارت میں مسلم قیادت کا کردار

  ہندوستان میں آزادی کے بعد ترقی کے عمل کا جائزہ لیا جائے تو یہ بات واضح ہوجاتی ہے کہ معاشرت، ثقافت، سیاست، تعلیم اور زندگی کے دیگر شعبوں میں مسلمانوں کو پیچھے ڈھکیل دیا گیا ہے جو ان کی مجموعی درماندگی کا باعث ہے۔

مسلمانوں کے زوال کے بارے میں اگرچہ فکر مندی کا اظہار ہوتا ہے، لیکن اس سے نجات کے لیے عملی اقدام نہیں کیا جاتا ہے۔ ظاہر ہے اس کے سنگین نتائج مرتب ہوں گے اور مسائل ختم ہونے کے بجائے بڑھیں گی اور مسلسل بڑھ رہے ہیں۔ بنیادی طور پر اسے دو اہم عوامل سے منسوب کیا جا سکتا ہے۔ اولاً پورے...

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A Call for Pragmatism: Rethinking Tobacco Harm Reduction on the Global Stage

In the quest to liberate the world from the shackles of smoking, it’s evident that a one-size-fits-all approach falls short. This realization must extend to the very institution that aims to lead the charge – the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Two decades ago, the WHO unveiled the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, envisioning a universal solution to combat smoking’s scourge. Yet, today, over a billion people still smoke worldwide, and the WHO’s stringent stance on alternative opt...

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